BERLIN.- Lamine Yamal became the youngest player to play in a European Championship and the new generation of Spain beat 3-0 on Saturday Croatia in his first game.
And the Spaniards did so without dominating possession of the ball for the first time in 136 official matches, remaining with only 46% of possession against Croatia, according to UEFA.
Yamal, aged 16 years and 338 days, also became the youngest to assist a goal in the tournament when he crossed for Dani Carvajal to score Spain’s third goal before half-time.
Nico Williams, 21, completed a brilliant game on the wing for Spain, which is going for its fourth European title.
Midfielder Fabián Ruiz scored a goal and assisted Álvaro Morata on the first goal in a dominant performance by La Roja.
“I have seen the team well. We’ve pulled together a great selection above. Now to think about the next one. Happy and tomorrow we will think about Italy,” said Captain Morata.
Spanish goalkeeper Unai Simón saved a penalty in the 80th minute from substitute Bruno Petkovi, who thought he had scored when Ivan Periši sent in the rebound. The goal was disallowed following a VAR review, as Periši invaded the area before Petkovi took the penalty.
In the stands, Croatian fans, who vastly outnumbered their Spanish counterparts, tried to rouse the team before the finale at the Olympiastadion in Berlin, where the final will be played on July 14.
But it was a disappointing start to Euro 2024 by Zlatko Dali’s team. The Spanish players were faster, more committed and more intelligent. The Spanish defense led by Marc Cucurella and Nacho stopped any danger.
Respect for a great:
Croatian star Luka Modric, who played at Euro 2008 before Yamal was born, could not bring his usual strength to bear. Modric, 38, received a warm hug from his Real Madrid teammates, Nacho and Carvajal, before the teams took the field.
When Modric came off in the 65th minute, it was clear that Dali was already thinking about the next game.
Croatia will face Albania in Hamburg on Wednesday, while Spain will face Italy in Gelsenkirchen on Thursday.
Source: AP
